I have to take some classes in order to get a certification to get a better job, but I'm reminded how stupid and incompetent taking classes makes me feel. At least at my last job, I was treated like I was treated like I was competent and not completely stupid (most of the time). I've only gone to the second day of my first class and I already feel too incompetent to do the job I was hoping to do someday. Education should make you do a better job at your future job not tank your self-worth so much that you just fail.

I was hoping I would be over my dissertation defense and oral comps, but I'm not. I just hope no one figures out my background. I wouldn't want anyone to expect anything of me.

But does anyone know how to rise above the mire that's higher education and not have their self-esteem destroyed by it?